LOS ROBLES (Natural)

COSTA RICA

This season Costa Rica has produced some of the best coffees we have tried on the cupping table. Los Robles stood out with both its natural and honey processed coffees, and that's why we decided to buy both lots. Both with big bold flavours and juicy mouthfeel, but also idividually distinct. This natural process gives a blanced taste with mostly berry-like notes and a lingering gentle acidity. Great for both espresso and a filter.

Estrella Naranjo coffee is sourced from six distinct mountain ranges in the zone of Naranjo: Barranca, Cañuela, San Juanillo, Los Robles, Lourdes and Sabanilla. Cherry is harvested from each of the different ranges and processed separately through Coopro Naranjo R.L. main mill. Coopro Naranjo producer members who deliver cherry as part of the Estrella Naranjo program receive a quality differential for their coffee. The project is being implemented by the cooperative for the first time in the 2017/18 season. Producers of Estrella Naranjo are selected to participate in the program based on the quality of their coffee. Superior quality is assured through the selection of strictly ripe cherry from only the center of the harvest.

Agronomists from Coopro Naranjo visit participating farms in each of the ranges during the season to check maturation levels and determine the ideal point of harvest based on brix measurement. Quality is controlled at the farm, receiving station and mill. Each delivery of cherry is measured, sorted and processed separately at the Coopro Naranjo mill ensuring full traceability to the specific mountain range. The coffee is pulped using advanced demucilagers to ensure consistent and efficient processing, or naturally fermented using traditional washing tanks. The natural fermentation process is used upon request and the expected volume of this type of processing is 3,300 bags in total for the season.

The Estrella Naranjo project offers a competitive price for participating members and seeks to reward those who work hard to produce coffee of high quality. The project is open to all producing members in each of the ranges whose farms are located between 1300 and 1700 MASL. It offers an opportunity for member producers to access new markets and incentivizes the production of high quality coffee, especially for those who may not be able to produce micro lot quality due to location or altitude. The concept of the project is to source consistent volume of traceable, quality differentiated coffee whilst supporting member producers and promoting sustainable and superior production.

All our coffees are roasted and packed in foil-lined bags at our roastery in Penryn, Cornwall.

We roast, hand-pack and ship all orders on Thursday, including Smält Hot Chocolates, merchandise and hardware items.